Rafael Nadal: Rivals are not scared to play me on clay

Rafael Nadal reflected on yet more success on clay before declaring that his rivals are not afraid to face him on clay.
The Spaniard has won both the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open in the last two weeks, both without dropping a set, and has been cited as a possible reason why Roger Federer has decided to skip clay court season.
However, he insists it is nonsense to suggest his rivals are running scared of him.
“I don’t think opponents are afraid of me,” he said. “In 2015 there wasn’t any fear scenario and I had won eight or nine times here and at the Roland Garros.
“What makes you win is to play well, which makes opponent have more respect. It has a close deadline. My goal is to continue at this level.”
Nadal will now look to further preparation towards the French Open, and knows he can’t take his foot off the gas right now.
“It’s a part of the year where you can’t stop,” he added.
“I will take a rest for two days and on Wednesday I will be back to train.
“I have to enjoy these moments because they are unique feelings that I know I won’t live forever.
“Let’s not forget that I am coming from a injury, I didn’t compete for many months and it makes this success even more special.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Being teammates with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic was ‘wonderful’ – Roger Federer
Roger Federer has hailed the Laver Cup “camaraderie” and appreciated being teammates with his great rivals.
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev builds his perfect tennis player, ft. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal
Daniil Medvedev has built his perfect tennis player, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and himself all featuring.
-
Tennis News
Legendary coach makes big Novak Djokovic Grand Slam prediction
A legendary tennis coach has predicted how many more Grand Slam titles Novak Djokovic can win.
-
Tennis News
‘Very excited’ Roger Federer picks doubles pairing he would like to see at the Laver Cup
Roger Federer has identified the two players he would like to see team up to play doubles at the 2023 Laver Cup.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal gives a green light to the ultimate Olympic dream team
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz could team up at next summer’s Paris Olympics.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal clarifies his comments on Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam record
Nadal appeared to offer grudging congratulations to Djokovic after he collected his 24th Grand Slam title.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams branded ‘arrogant’ over apparent Simona Halep doping swipe
A WTA star said Serena Williams has “always had this arrogance after she appeared to hit out at Simona Halep over her doping ban.
-
Tennis News
Laver Cup dealt another blow as Stefanos Tsitsipas becomes latest star to withdraw
Stefanos Tsitsipas has become the latest high-profile star to pull out of the 2023 Laver Cup.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas believes one player wins a facet of the GOAT race “by a landslide”
Novak Djokovic appears to have won the GOAT race, but world No 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas has has a different view.
-
Tennis News
Stefanos Tsitsipas discusses how being ‘addicted’ to reaching the top ‘deprived’ him
Stefanos Tsitsipas has declared that he was “addicted” to reaching the top in tennis earlier in his career.